updated 04:20 pm EST, Wed March 7, 2007

Magellan Maestro GPS

Magellan this afternoon officially announced its Maestro range of GPS mapping units. The 4.3-inch handhelds are all the first navigators to have access to the American Automobile Association's TourBook, which adds hotels, repair sites, and other points of interest the group recommends for its members' trips.

The flagship Maestro 4050 ($700) is also the first GPS system to support voice commands, Magellan says. Owners plot routes simply by speaking to the unit instead of operating its touchscreen, keeping their eyes on the road. Real-time traffic warnings are also an option through the company's TrafficKit subscription service. Bluetooth is standard for hands-free calls. The lower-cost 4040 drops voice commands and traffic to reach a more affordable $500 price, while the base 4000 model ($400) sheds Bluetooth. The 4050 will be ready by May, with the two less costly models shipping April 1st.